#rnli – Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat launched following a request from Valentia Coast Guard to assist six people after their 38ft motor boat suffered steering failure in Dromineer Bay.
At 14.50hrs on Friday afternoon, July 12, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat to launch to assist six people, four adults and two young children, after they reported that their 38ft motor boat had lost steering.
The lifeboat launched with Helm Eleanor Hooker, David Moore and Jason Freeman on board. Winds were west south-west, Force 2/3. Temperature was 30*C. The lifeboat came alongside at 15.15hrs, all onboard was safe and unharmed. A RNLI volunteer was transferred to the boat and requested everyone to put on a lifejacket. The helm of the casualty vessel had very sensibly dropped anchor to prevent their boat drifting on to the rocks by Urra Point.
As only one person onboard was able to communicate in English, an RNLI crew member explained fully what the lifeboat proposed to do, and he then relayed that to the rest of his group. The lifeboat set up tow, weighed anchor on the casualty vessel, and then, with an RNLI crew member still on board, towed her and her passengers to the public harbour in Dromineer.
Lough Derg RNLI helm Eleanor Hooker advises boat users to 'not to delay, to call for help as soon as they are in difficulties, by calling 999 or 112 and asking for Marine Rescue'.
The Lifeboat returned to station and was ready for service again at 16.00hrs.